Top 7 Must-See Events in Kyoto: November 2017 (w/Photos)

Kyoto hosts many popular events during November. Among them, the events hosted by Kyoto’s temples and shrines are especially noteworthy, as rare artifacts are on show. Alternatively, attend an art or sports event and vary your Kyoto experience. In this article, we’ll introduce the must-see events of November – check them out and enjoy autumn in Kyoto!

Cultural and Historical Events

1. Special Autumn Exhibit “History and Art of Toji Kanchi-in – High Priest and Famed Treasures”

Temples are at the top of many tourists’ itineraries for Kyoto. While there are many wonderful temples, we recommend the Toji temple, which is a renowned “treasure house” of esoteric Buddhist artworks. Every autumn, the temple organizes a special exhibition and this year’s theme is “History and Art of Toji Kanchi-in – High Priest and Famed Treasures”. The temple houses over 25,000 pieces of artwork, including national treasures and Important Cultural Property (as specified by the government). The vast collection is organized by theme and this year’s exhibition theme highlights a specific structure within the Toji temple. The temple is certainly worth penciling into your next itinerary – not only are there one-of-a-kind treasures on show, the temple itself is a beautiful structure.

Schedule

・Exhibition Date / Time

September 20, 2017 – November 25, 2017 9:00 – 17:00

・Scheduled programs during exhibition term (if applicable)

“Light-Up of Autumn Foliage and Kodo Night Viewing”

Date: October 28, 2017 (Sat.) – December 10, 2017 (Sun.)

Time: 18:30 – 21:30

Access and Address

・Location

Shingonshu Sohonzan Toji (Kyoo-Gokokuji)

・Directions from Closest Station

10 minute / 0.6 km walk from Kintetsu Toji Station

・Directions from Closest Hub Station

15 minute / 1.1 km walk from JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit

・Address

1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, 601-8473

・Map

Admission and Reservation

Adults 500 yen / junior high school students and younger 300 yen

Reservations are not required

Official Website

Daikakuji, a temple in Kyoto with over 1,000 years of history, is a popular tourist destination. The historical temple was initially constructed by the emperor when he moved the capital to Kyoto. Every autumn, the temple hosts a special exhibition of treasured artifacts; this year’s exhibition is titled “Famed Treasures of Kyu-Sagano Gosho Daikakuji”. The exhibition has a historical undertone – it features treasures that define the history of Daikakuji and Kyoto, such as the “Godai Myo-o Zo” (an Important Cultural Property). We highly recommend Daikakuji temple – it’s a great spot to admire cultural artifacts and explore the history of Kyoto.

Schedule

・Exhibition Date / Time

September 29, 2017 – December 4, 2017

9:00 – 16:30

・Scheduled programs during exhibition term (if applicable)

Not applicable

Access and Address

・Location

Kyu-Sagano Gosho Daihonzan Daikakuji

・Directions from Closest Station

20 minute walk from Saga Arashiyama Station North Exit on JR Sagano Line

・Directions from Closest Hub Station

40 minutes by train and foot from JR Kyoto Station

・Address

4 Saga Osawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 616-8411

・Map

Admission and Reservation

Adults 800 yen / students, elementary through high school 600 yen

Reservations are not required

Official Website

3. Shogo-in Special Exhibit: September 16, 2017 – December 10, 2017

Temples in Kyoto organize various events during autumn – in this section, we’ll introduce a special exhibition event held at Shogo-in temple. Shogo-in’s history spans back to 1090 AD; during this long history, Shogo-in has occasionally served as a temporary residence for the emperor and its chief priests have maintained ties to the imperial family. Accordingly, Shogo-in is a highly regarded temple with righteous origins. The temple grounds boast extravagant murals painted by renowned artists and the beautiful temple itself is certainly worth a look. The special event at Shogo-in will feature never-before-seen Japanese artworks and Important Cultural Property. It’s a great opportunity to study Buddhist artwork up close!

Official Website

Shokokuji was established during the late-14th century by the ruling shogun. Over history, its faced precarious situations on numerous occasions; however, Shokokuji survives today as a historic temple that’s specified as an Important Cultural Property, housing the oldest hatto in Japan. Shokokuji hosts the “Special Autumn Exhibit”, where visitors can view the hatto and other sections that are usually closed off to the public. We suggest checking out the dragon illustration, nakiryu, inscribed on the ceiling of the hatto. Legend says that when you clap your hands by the dragon, the clapping sound will mimic a crying dragon. The exhibit requires a reservation, so be sure to plan ahead.

Official Website

Sports Events

5. 27th Fukuchiyama Marathon: November 23, 2017

Autumn weather in Japan is perfect for sports. So, if you’re looking to attend a sports event in Kyoto, consider the Fukuchiyama marathon. The annual marathon is in its 27th year and, thus, deeply rooted in the local community. Over 10,000 runners participate every year, with participants lauding the fun environment. Registration closed in August, but you can still participate by supporting runners from the sidewalk. It’s a good event if you’re traveling with kids because there are kids’ playgrounds and rooms. Spend an active day by enjoying sports at this event!

Schedule

・Exhibition Date / Time

November 23, 2017

・Scheduled programs during exhibition term (if applicable)

Not applicable

Access and Address

Sandan Ike Park

・Directions from Closest Station

20 minute walk from Fukuchiyama Station (free shuttle bus from the station on race day)

・Directions from Closest Hub Station

1 hour and 30 minutes by train and bus from Kyoto Station.

・Address

377-1 Izaki, Fukuchiyama-shi, Kyoto, 620-0017

・Map

Admission and Reservation

Individual marathon participants 7,000 yen

Spectators free

Note that participation in the marathon requires prior registration.

Official Website

Modern Art Event

6. Autumn in Kyoto Music Festival: September 17, 2017 – November 26, 2017

Kyoto has a bustling arts scene, with numerous music-related events. One such event is “Autumn in Kyoto Music Festival”. This festival is in its 21st year and features an eclectic group of domestic and international directors and musicians with ties to Kyoto. Large crowds attended a commemorative concert on September 17th. During the festival period, a total of 22 concerts will be staged at the Kyoto Concert Hall, a renowned space for classical music in Kyoto with top notch acoustics. Why not relax and listen to classical music in autumn-time Kyoto?

Schedule

・Exhibition Date / Time

September 17, 2017 – November 26, 2017

・Scheduled programs during exhibition term (if applicable)

Bamberg Symphony Orchestra: November 5, 2017 from 16:00

Amongst other performances

Access and Address

・Location

Kyoto Concert Hall

・Directions from Closest Station

Ride the train to Kitayama Station on Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line.

5 minute walk from Exit 1 or 3 in southern direction.

・Directions from Closest Hub Station

Transfer to Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line (towards Kokusai Kaikan) at Kyoto Station and disembark at Kitayama Station.

15 minute train ride.

・Address

1-26 Shimogamo Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 606-0823

・Map

Admission and Reservation

Admissions vary by performance. As such, be sure to check for each performance.

Example: 4,500 yen for reserved seats

Official Website

Immerse yourself in the culture of the Tanba region (located in North Kyoto) at the “Nantan Crafts Culture Festival”. Children and adults alike will enjoy the event, which is in its 11th year. Nantan is known as a manufacturing town and home to traditional crafts. Befittingly, you can try your hand at various crafts, including pottery making and pottery illustration, at the festival. In addition, there are exhibits by local artists and exhibits harnessing local materials, so it’s a perfect way to learn about the Tanba region. Most visitors focus on downtown Kyoto, but you can have a more local experience by leaving the city center. If you’re in Kyoto, why not take an extra step to experience the more local side of Kyoto?

Schedule

・Exhibition Date / Time

September 16, 2017 – November 26, 2017

・Scheduled programs during exhibition term (if applicable)

Access and Address

・Location

Nantan-shi Kokusai Koryu Kaikan / Nantan-shi Cultural Museum, etc.

・Directions from Closest Station

5 minute walk from JR Sonobe Station

・Directions from Closest Hub Station

45 minutes by train and foot from Kyoto Station

・Address

62-1 Sonobe-cho Kozakuramachi, Nantan-shi, Kyoto, 622-0004

・Map

Admission and Reservation

No reservation or admission fare required (certain workshops may require a nominal fee for cost of materials).

Official Website

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